Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Many types of doctors treat sinusitis, including general and family practice physicians, pediatricians, and allergists. However, if you have chronic sinusitis or do not respond to medical treatment, you may be referred to a specialist – an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) physician, or Otolaryngologist.

The technology utilizes a small, flexible balloon that is placed into the nose to reach the sinuses. The Sinus Balloon is gradually inflated to gently restructure the previously blocked sinus opening which helps to restore normal sinus drainage and function. There is minimal bleeding, and many patients have been able to rapidly return to normal activities. Clinical research has indicated that the Balloon Sinuplasty System is a safe and effective instrument in dilating blocked paranasal sinus ostia.

Balloon Sinuplasty in the name used for a group of medical devices that are used to dilate openings in your sinuses. The devices use a small, flexible balloon that is placed into the nose to reach the sinuses. The balloon is gradually inflated to gently restructure the previously blocked nasal passage, restoring sinus ventilation with minimal risk or tissue trauma.

Results vary by individual. Published clinical data has shown the following regarding patients who have had sinus surgery with Balloon Sinuplasty Technology:
A study of 1,036 patients at multiple institutions reported that sinus symptoms improved in 96% of patients at an average follow up period of 10 months.
Another study followed 65 patients at multiple institutions and reported average improvement on symptoms to be clinically and statistically significant out to two years.

The Balloon Sinuplasty Technology is minimally invasive and has been clinically demonstrated to be safe by leading Ear, Nose and Throat doctors. Through July 2010 over 120,000 patients and 336,000 sinuses have been treated with Balloon Sinuplasty Technology and more than 6,200 surgeons have been trained on it.
Each day approximately 200 sinus surgeries are being performed with Balloon Sinuplasty Technology. Unlike other surgical methods used to clear blocked sinus openings, Balloon Sinuplasty Technology does not remove any bone or tissue, and some patients may quickly return to normal activities.

Your healthcare provider can best explain the potential isks of surgery with Balloon Sinuplasty technology.
Balloon Sinuplasty Technology has associated risks, including tissue and mucosal trauma, infection, or possible optic injury. Consult your physician for a full discussion of risks and benefits to determine whether this procedure is right for you.

The duration of the procedure varies by individual situations. Ask your healthcare provider for the most accurate answer.
In a study of 1,036 patients who underwent sinus surgery with Balloon Sinuplasty technology at multiple institutions, an average procedure time was 3 hours, including the surgery and post-anesthesia recovery time. None of the patients required an overnight stay at the hospital.

Most patients undergo general anesthesia for sinus surgery with Balloon Sinuplasty technology, but some patients have had the procedure under local anesthesia. Your healthcare provider can best advise you on your anesthesia options.

If you suffer from sinusitis, and medication alone has not been effective in relieving your symptoms, you may be a candidate for surgery using the Balloon Sinuplasty devices. To find out if you are a candidate for the Balloon Sinuplasty devices, please call your ENT physician.

Ear, Nose, and Throat physicians who have been trained on the Relieva Balloon Sinuplasty devices.
ARE BALLOON SINUPLASTY DEVICES COVERED BY MEDICARE?
Yes. Medicare covers endoscopic sinus surgery when any combination of tools, including a balloon cathter, is used to perform the procedure.